31 Oktober 2013

EOS R-600 RWS (photo : Xtemujin)Australian company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) and Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK) have jointly completed a new maintenance and support facility for remote weapon stations (RWSs) in Singapore, EOS announced on 30 October.Dr Ben Greene, group chief executive of EOS, described the facility to IHS Jane's as "probably the most sophisticated of its type in Asia".

Terrex 8x8 IFV (photo : EosWorld)Jointly staffed by STK and EOS, the facility will support both companies' weapon systems. Greene said he anticipated the facility would eventually support other companies' products.EOS - 9% owned by Northrop Grumman - is understood to have supplied around 100 of its R-600 RWSs to equip STK-manufactured Terrex 8x8 infantry carrier vehicles of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).(Jane's)

KAI unveiled a single-engine version of the KFX technology demonstrator at ADEX 2013 in Seoul (photo : Jane's)Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) has developed a single-engined version of the Korean Fighter Xperiment (KFX) indigenous stealth fighter prototype in an effort to get the stalled programme back on track.Officials at the Seoul Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2013) told IHS Jane's that the single-engined version, dubbed the C501, was a low-cost option that combined elements of the in-production FA-50 light fighter and the twin-engine KFX technology demonstrator, called the C103, that completed its technical development in 2013.

C501 model with double vertical stabiliser (photo : FlightGlobal)The KFX programme was announced in 2001 and originally conceived as a twin-engine stealth multirole fighter with stealth characteristics. Technical development of the first prototype, dubbed C103, was completed in 2013 and South Korea entered an agreement with Indonesia in 2011 to share the cost of developing the platform. Initial operating capability for the KFX/IFX was planned for 2023.However, budgetary constraints and concerns over the programme's risk led the new South Korean government of President Park Geun-hye to suspend the KFX/IFX programme in early 2013.An industry source, who declined to be named due to the political sensitivity of the programme, said the Defense Acquisition Programme Agency (DAPA) and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) believed the C103 technology demonstrator had "development risks - basically the stealth configuration means it could cost more money".

C501 model with double vertical stabiliser (image : Aviation Week)He added that the government believed it was "a good plane", but the development risks were "great compared to the government's plans and so it had requested a 'practical' alternative". In response, KAI has developed the C501 prototype in single seat and dual seat versions.The key differences between the C103 and the C501 are that the latter has a single vertical stabiliser, single engine and uses data, systems, and avionics developed for KAI's FA-50 - itself a development of the T-50 Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainer. The C501 also lacks any internal weapon bays.However, with the exception of the tail, the C103 and C501 planforms are almost identical, allowing wind tunnel data from the C103 to be used in the C501's conceptual design.

C501 model with single vertical stabiliser (photo : Flight Global)The official described the C501 as a "more advanced, stealthier version of the Lockheed Martin F-16" that would fill a gap between the Lockheed Martin F-35 and FA-50 in Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) service. The source added that based on market research, KAI also believed that the single-engine C501 version of the KFX would be an "attractive candidate" to international customers, including Western countries, looking to supplement their F-35 fleets with a lighter, cheaper option."The bottom line is that KAI is pursuing affordability in developing the KFX," said the official, who nonetheless warned that the C501 version was so far only a conceptual design model.

C501 model with single vertical stabiliser (image : Aviation Week)For this to change, DAPA has to complete the FX-III programme - currently under review following the decision in late September not to purchase the Boeing F-15SE. "It all depends on FX-III," the official said. "The winner will provide technical assistance for the KFX programme."The official said the KFX programme had an eight-and-a half-year engineering, manufacturing, and development (EMD) phase, with the Ministry of Finance allocating USD10 billion for this phase in its Fiscal Year 2014 budget request. If it is approved by the National Assembly and an FX-III contract is awarded, EMD will begin in November 2014.(Jane's)

30 Oktober 2013

Bsed on the C-130J-30 transport aircraft, the SC-130J Sea Herc offers a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare capability (photo : Militaryphotos)The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) could adopt the Lockheed Martin SC-130J Sea Herc in fulfilment of its long-range maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) requirement, a company official told IHS Jane's on 29 October.Speaking at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (ADEX) in South Korea, Steve Pigott, Director Business Development International Air Mobility Programs, said that Singapore represents the most promising near-term prospect for the MPA-variant Hercules as it looks to augment and later replace its current Fokker 50 MPA fleet."Singapore has a real need [for a long-range MPA], and we could provide both a Level 2 [anti-surface warfare] or Level 3 [anti-submarine warfare] capability with the SC-130J," he said.The RSAF currently operates five Fokker 50s in the MPA role, which are due to remain in service until at least 2020. However, the continued threat of piracy in the region and increased use of submarines has prompted Singapore to expand its MPA and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities with an improved platform to enter service in the 2015 timeframe.First unveiled at the Singapore Airshow in 2012, the SC-130J offers a roll-on, roll-off (ro/ro) MPA and ASW capability that utilises a palletised version of the Lockheed P-3 Orion mission suite. As the RSAF already operates 10 C-130 transport aircraft, the SC-130J would enable the service to take advantage of a common operating, training, and support infrastructure.Singapore has previously requested information on the P-3C MPA from the US Navy with a view to possibly acquiring the aircraft, while the Boeing P-8 Poseidon remains an option also.(Jane's)

WASHINGTON – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Oct. 25 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $96 million.The Government of Singapore has requested a possible sale of 88 Unitary High Explosive (HE) Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Pods with Tri-mode Fuse, and containers, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $96 millionThis proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by increasing the ability of the Republic of Singapore to contribute to regional security. The proposed sale will improve the security of a strategic partner which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia Pacific region.

GMLRS in details (images : dote)This proposed sale provides the Republic of Singapore with additional assets critical to maintaining its defensive capabilities to protect its territory and deter regional aggression. The GMLRS pods strengthen the Republic of Singapore Army’s ability to defeat long-range artillery, air defense platforms, and light-armored vehicles in a precise, low-collateral damage strike. The Republic of Singapore will have no difficulty absorbing these additional GMLRS pods into its armed forces.The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control in Grand Prairie, Texas. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with the potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require U.S. Government or contractor representatives to travel to Singapore for a period of one week to provide equipment deprocessing/fielding and Quality Assurance Team acceptance testing.There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.(DSCA)

29 Oktober 2013

Two Molniya class (FAC-M) of the Vietnamese Navy HQ-375 and HQ-376 (photo : alobacsi)Vietnamese Navy began sea trials Project 12418 missile boat "Molniya", built under license from Russia . On this, as reported by ITAR - TASS news agency, said Oleg proteins , CEO of Rybinsk Shipyard "Vympel " engaged in the construction of such ships in Russia .According Belkova, sea trials at sea were gone the first two ships of the "Molniya", built in Vietnam. Currently, the third and fourth ships Vietnamese construction installation is carried out on-board equipment , and the fifth and sixth boats are in the process of formation of the shells and metal cutting. According to the results of tests of the first two ships of Vietnam may decide to build another four specified in the option.Vietnam has purchased a license to build 12 missile boats of the "Molniya" (including four in option) in 2005. The deal amounted to about a billion dollars. Under the agreement , the first two ships were built by "Vympel" and delivered to the Navy in Vietnam 2007-2008. Documentation necessary to license the construction of ships, the Vietnamese side has transferred the Petersburg Central Design Bureau "Almaz".Build boats of the "Molniya" is in Vietnam under the technical guidance of Russian experts. In April 2011, Vietnam and ship repair center "Asterisk" signed an agreement on the delivery of ship spare parts and tools.Displacement boats of the "Molniya" is about 500 tons. The ship is capable of speeds up to 40 knots. Boats armed with anti-ship missiles "Uran", launchers, anti-aircraft missiles "Igla", 76 -mm main guns and 30 -millimeter anti-aircraft guns.(Lenta)

HMAS Success (photo : Adelaide Now)Battle Tanker is BackHMAS Success returned to sea on 25 October and has commenced Sea Qualification Trials and a Unit Readiness workup package.The significant milestone marked the end of a complex refit package, which included an extensive docking, considerable engineering plant overhaul and structural work.Commander Australian Fleet RADM Tim Barrett, AM, CSC, RAN and Commander Surface Force CDRE Jonathan Mead, AM, RAN were on the wharf to farewell the ship, and were visibly proud of what their personnel and supporting agencies had achieved.The crew enjoyed a period of calm reflection as Success sailed through the harbour on a picturesque Sydney day, relishing in the end result of their efforts.Commanding Officer, Captain Allison Norris said her ship’s company had put in many hours of hard work to return the battle tanker to sea.“Every department on the ship put in substantial effort to get Success seaworthy. Their willingness to come together as a team to get he job done was outstanding.”“The engineering department’s commitment and dedication to progressing an intricate Test and Trials program among a busy whole ship program was particularly noteworthy,” said Captain Norris.Success has now started Sea Qualification Trials and a Unit Readiness workup package. The ship achieved alongside Mariner Skills Evaluation (MSE) on 16 October and are expected to attain Unit Readiness Certification by the end of 2013, in preparation for a busy operational program in 2014.The familiar silhouette of Success is now back at sea, ready to RAS.(RAN)

2 Kilo 636 submarines of the Vietnam Navy, HQ-182 Hanoi and HQ-183 Ho Chi Minh at the dock Verfi Admiralty Shipyards (photo : PhunuToday)MOSCOW (RIA Novosti) – Vietnam will next month take delivery of a Russian submarine dubbed “a black hole in the ocean” by the US Navy for its undetectability when submerged, a military industry source told RIA Novosti on Monday.Vietnam ordered a fleet of six 636 (Varshavyanka) class diesel-electric submarines in 2009 in what has been seen as an effort to counterbalance China’s expanding maritime influence.The contract, which also includes training for Vietnamese submarine crews in Russia, is reportedly worth $2 billion.Project 636M submarines have very low noise emission and can hit targets at long distances without being detected by the enemy’s anti-submarine systems.All total of six boats are being built for Vietnam at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg. They are due for delivery by 2016.The vessels displace 3,100 tons, reach speeds of 20 knots, can dive to 300 meters and carry crews of 52 people.The submarines feature 533-mm torpedo tubes and are armed with torpedoes, mines and Club/Kalibr 3M54 (NATO SS-N-27 Sizzler) cruise missiles. They are mainly intended for anti-shipping and anti-submarine missions in relatively shallow waters.(RIA Novosti)

28 Oktober 2013

HUMSA sonar developed by DRDO (photo : DRDO)Signalling the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) strong intent to export military products to friendly nations, its chief and Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister Avinash Chander said DRDO-made sonars would soon be exported to Myanmar in a groundbreaking initiative.“We’ve attained total indigenisation in sonars and radars. Our ship-borne sonars are now being exported to Myanmar,” Mr. Chander told journalists after inaugurating an international symposium on ocean electronics organised by the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) here on Monday. The DRDO, in a major change in its outlook, was open to sale of its defence products to friendly nations, he said.(The Hindu has learnt from its sources that Myanmar has inked a deal with Bharat Electronics earlier this year for procurement of three units of export variant of hull-mounted sonar developed by the DRDO’s Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory located in Kochi.)According to Mr. Chander, with the global market blobbing on its radar, the DRDO was taking part in the Aerospace and Defence Exhibition-2013 to be held in Seoul this month-end. “We’re taking an array of our systems, including Akash surface-to-air missile, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and Pragati surface-to-surface missile to the exhibition,” he said.On the air-independent propulsion (AIP) system being developed by the DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory at Ambernath, he said it would be integrated onto the last two Scorpene submarines being built at Mazagon Dock based on transfer-of-technology.(AIP systems play a vital role in considerably enhancing the underwater endurance of conventional diesel-electric submarines. Conventional submarines devoid of AIP are required to surface once in a few days to recharge their batteries, a process when they are most vulnerable to attacks. Scorpenes being French-origin submarines, the French had offered to install their MESMA AIP on the Indian Scorpenes).Mr. Chander said India needed some 80 to 100 satellites in the long-run to be able to ensure a fairly high degree of maritime domain awareness in the entire Indian Ocean region. There was need to launch low-cost, expendable satellites that could be swiftly deployed on demand, he said adding China already possessed such a capability, with some 19 satellites already keeping a watch over the Indian Ocean.On Tejas, he said the aircraft in Mark-1 configuration would get full initial operational clearance by this year-end, and would brace for final operational clearance in 2014. Its series production had begun and induction of the first series production aircraft into the Air Force would also take place next year.Main battle tank (MBT) Arjun in the enhanced Mark-2 configuration had some issues during the recent trials they would be resolved soon.Mr. Chander was hopeful of seeing the induction of the 5,000 km-range Agni-V strategic missile in two years’ time. “But we need to hold three-four trials of the missile in user deployable configuration before that.”The ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), he said, was on the drawing board and the basic configuration was being finalised at the moment.“No country can progress by importing defence material and equipment” and therefore, the DRDO has identified several areas, where indigenisation could be done in a big way. “Ammunition for tanks and artillery guns for instance was one such area,” he said.(The Hindu)

A-109 with gun and rocket launcher (photo : Helis)MANILA, Philippines - An Anglo-Italian company has won the bidding to supply eight attack helicopters worth P3.44 billion for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).The STAR learned that a notice of award was issued to aircraft manufacturer AgustaWestland late last month.Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo confirmed the report, saying the helicopters may be delivered next year if the budget is released soon.“If the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) releases the cash allocation, the letter of credit could be opened immediately and the helicopters could be delivered before the end of December next year,” Manalo said.A letter of credit is a document that assures the winning bidder or supplier that the government will honor its financial obligations.Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez said the Air Force would be getting eight 109 Power (109 P) attack helicopters with .50 caliber machine guns and rocket launchers.“We will be offered a combination of rocket launchers and two .50 caliber (machine guns). We were able to negotiate that the rocket launchers to be installed could fire rockets,” Velez said.In its website, AgustaWestland described 109 Power helicopters as “versatile aircraft that offers the highest level of benefits for commercial, government and military markets.”“The Power’s flexibility allows it to perform executive transport with stylish elegance, offshore and emergency medical services or conduct surveillance and patrol missions for police forces,” the description read.AgustaWestland, the lone bidder for the project, offered to supply the eight helicopters for P3,441,415,000.The bid is just P45,000 lower than the P3,441,460,000 approved budget for the helicopters.A financial bid, however, could be accepted as long as it falls within the budget.Defense officials previously said that the bid price is lower compared to the helicopters purchased by other countries.The bid translates to 7.532 million euros per unit (about P430.15 million), lower than the package price per unit of the helicopters acquired by the Bulgarian police (7.547 million euros) and the Bangladesh Navy (8.6 million euros).In its bid bulletin, the defense department said the helicopters to be purchased should have full night operation capability with complete weapons system and integrated logistics support package.They should also be capable of navigating in bad weather and performing close air support.The helicopters should be delivered within 540 calendar days from the opening of the letter of credit.(PhilStar)

26 Oktober 2013

AV-8, 8x8 wheeled armoured vehicle (photo : Malaysian Defence)KUALA LUMPUR, (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Armed Forces received RM13.2 billion to tighten border security in the Budget 2014.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the allocation showed that the government's priority to eradicate foreign threats which can jeopardise national security.The government also allocated RM2.4 billion to add six Offshore Patrol Vessels, four cargo planes, tanks and support equipment towards this end."RM75 million has been allocated for 2014 to sustain ESSCOM (Eastern Sabah Security Command) operations," he said while tabling the Budget 2014 at the Dewan Rakyat Friday.Najib also touched upon the armed intrusion in Lahad Datu and described it as a tragic blot on Malaysia's history.He recorded the highest appreciation for the sacrifices and service of the soldiers and security forces in defending national sovereignty.The Prime Minister said RM48 million was allocated for the welfare of 20,000 armed forces veterans to cover medical treatment, ex-gratia and education, in appreciation of their contributions.Najib also announced RM202 million to build and restore armed forces quarters, as well as school buses for the children in place of army trucks.

25 Oktober 2013

MANILA, Philippines - The Navy will commission its newest warship BRP Ramon Alcaraz in the third week of November.

Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic said the frigate is undergoing the final phase of dry docking and repainting procedure.

"The commissioning and blessing (of the ship) may be held within the third week of November,” Fabic said in a text message.

He said President Aquino was invited to attend the ceremony but his attendance in the event is still being confirmed from the Presidential Management Staff.

“We are also looking at SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) as the venue. But nothing is definite yet. We are still in the planning process,” Fabic said.

The government acquired the BRP Alcaraz from the United States (US) Coast Guard to enhance the Navy’s maritime security capabilities.

Manned by 14 officers and 74 enlisted personnel, BRP Alcaraz reached Philippine waters last August 2 via Casiguran, Aurora.The ship left its homeport in Charleston, South Carolina last June 10 and made port visits to San Diego and Honolulu, Hawaii before sailing for its last stopover in Guam. The BRP Alcaraz started sailing for Manila on July 27.The ship was formally welcomed last Aug. 6 in a ceremony led by Aquino, who is also the commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces.The ship was named after Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a Navy officer who commanded a patrol boat that shot three Japanese aircraft during World War II.The US Coast Guard used the vessel for drug and migrant interdiction, law enforcement, search and rescue, living marine resources protection, and defense readiness.BRP Alcaraz is the second frigate acquired by the Philippines from the US. The first one is BRP Gregorio del Pilar, which was commissioned by the Navy in 2011.The government spent about P450 million to acquire BRP del Pilar and more than P600 million to acquire BRP Alcaraz. The two decades-old ships were acquired under the US defense excess article program.(PhilStar)

The HMNZS Manawanui, originally commissioned as an oil rig tender in 1979, is still in service for the New Zealand Navy. (New Zealand Navy)WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND — The New Zealand Defence Force wants to replace its mine countermeasures and diving support vessel, HMNZS Manawanui, and its hydrographic survey vessel, HMNZS Resolution, “as both approach their end of life,” says an Oct. 23 request for information.The 2,282-ton Resolution, originally commissioned to the US Navy in 1989, was decommissioned from service with the Royal New Zealand Navy in April 2012.Displacing 911 tons, Manawanui, originally commissioned as an oil rig tender in 1979, remains in Navy service. Rather than acquire two new vessels, the Navy wants “to consolidate the individual capabilities within a single Littoral Operations Support Capability (LOSC). The replacement capability will maintain the capability sets delivered by both HMNZS Manawanui & Resolution.”The new ship has a target contract delivery date of mid-2017 and acceptance into naval service by mid-2018.Described as a littoral operations support capability, the new vessel is envisioned as being able to remain at sea for 200 days a year with 165 days alongside and be capable of a speed of up to 18 knots.(Defense News)

An evolved version of this Collins Class submarine is the leading option for Australia's next generation of submarines. (photo : Australian Traveller)AN evolved Collins Class submarine is the leading option for Australia's next generation of submarines, Defence Minister David Johnston has revealed, renewing hopes that the final decision on the project will deliver jobs and investment in South Australia.Senator Johnston said in Adelaide yesterday that he believed an evolved Collins Class was a better choice than completely redesigning and building a new submarine.Twelve next-generation submarines will be built under the SEA 1000 project, which has an estimated cost of up to $40 billion."Our experience is that to go down that path is quite problematic," said Senator Johnston, who was attending a Submarine Institute of Australia conference."The evolved Collins is the leading option … capitalising on our evolving corporate knowledge, so we will see what the department has done and what the plan is within the next month."SA Defence Teaming Centre chief executive officer Chris Burns saying if this option was backed it would mean jobs and investment for the state."The centre for excellence of knowledge and capability about Collins is here in South Australia, so it further cements that the future submarines will be made here in SA," Mr Burns said."And an evolution of Collins means work will be able to commence sooner rather than later in terms of design."The new Abbott government had said it would make a decision about the Future Submarine project within 18 months of taking office, along with creating a new defence white paper.Senator Johnston said he intended pushing forward with "not a briefing but a seminar" over the future subs next month after returning from NATO meetings, to discuss what he described as the Federal Government's "number one priority at the moment".Previously, the former Labor government had narrowed the Future Submarine decision to two main options for the new submarines - the evolved Collins boat or an entirely new Australian-designed and built option.Both parties have committed to the submarines being assembled in South Australia.Senator Johnston also said yesterday that he was confident there would be no gap in capability between the ageing Collins submarines being replaced."These subs are so important that time is of the essence," he said."The plan is coming together and you will hopefully shortly see exactly what we are doing with Collins, you will see the path that we are going to choose will be a middle path for SEA 1000 (future submarines)."He said it was "the most important capability we've got at the moment".But he also said that of equal priority was focusing on the sustainment and remediation of the existing six Collins class subs because "the life extension program is vital to the haste with which we must pursue the new boat"."The submarine life extension program will allow an orderly transition to the new submarine without a capability gap but that's not to say we are slowing down SEA 1000 in any shape of form it just means there's a little more time," he said.(AdelaideNow)

New Zealand Army with Steyr assault rifle (photo : Altair)New Zealand's Ministry of Defence (MoD) is assessing responses to a request for information (RfI) on a possible replacement for the New Zealand Defence Force's (NZDF's) 13,000 Steyr 5.56 mm assault rifles.The RfI, which closed on 4 October, says the 25-year-old Steyrs, manufactured in Australia by the then ADI, now Thales Australia, are near the end of their economic life and the capability no longer meets operational needs.If approved by government, the new weapons could be acquired between 2014 and 2018.A 2011 MoD report said operations in Afghanistan had shown that the Steyrs' sights were not powerful enough to accurately identify adversaries and the weapons themselves were ineffective at ranges greater than 200 m.According to the RFI, the replacement weapon "will offer consistency in fire from close quarter situations to more deliberate fire at around 500 metres by day and half this distance in low light conditions."It is to provide open architecture modularity in order to easily attach/detach sights, accessories or ancillaries to suit mission, or task, and mitigate risk of collateral damage or non-combatant casualties," it added.The weapon must also be capable of operations for prolonged periods in alpine and marine conditions and be readily useable by personnel wearing a wide range of equipment, including body armour, Arctic gloves, and respirators.The NZDF intends to retain the standard NATO 5.56 mm x 45 calibre ammunition used in the Steyr.An NZDF tender for 3,000 upgraded Steyrs was cancelled late last year. The tender sought either new-build or enhanced Steyrs with a new sighting system featuring 4x rather than the current 1.5x magnification, together with the ability to fit thermal sighting and other ancillary systems.(Jane's)

Philippines eyes the procurement of two frigates from India (photo : Naval Technology)MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines, which is beefing up its defense capability, is considering the procurement of naval frigates from India.Philippine officials discussed this the other day with a visiting delegation from India led by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid.India has intensified its engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as part of its “Look East” policy in the past decade.Khurshid, who met yesterday with Vice President Jejomar Binay, said the relationship between the two countries is “extremely important.”“Now is the time to begin a new chapter,” Khurshid said yesterday over lunch with Filipino officials as he emphasized the two countries’ “shared aspirations and shared attitudes.”The Philippines is eyeing the procurement of two frigates from India, a nuclear power country with its own military shipbuilding capability.India has built its own stealth-capable warship, which visited Manila several months ago. The Indians are developing their first aircraft carrier and will acquire one soon from Russia.Like the Philippines, India has a territorial dispute with its neighbor China. Khurshid told The STAR yesterday that his government was pursuing engagement with the Chinese.The other day, Khurshid and his delegation met separately with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Philippine security officials.Khurshid, who proceeded to Manila from meetings in Brazil, leaves for Singapore today.The Philippines is currently finalizing the procurement of fighter jets from South Korea.Not connected with territorial rowThe defense department maintained yesterday that the acquisition of fighter jets from South Korea has nothing to do with the territorial row in the West Philippine Sea.“This has been planned even before the developments in the West Philippine Sea,” defense department spokesman Peter Galvez said in a phone interview.Galvez was asked for a reaction after a Japanese paper reported on Monday that China had asked South Korea not to sell FA-50 jets to the country.Galvez declined to comment on the report itself but said the military’s upgrade efforts are not related to the territorial row with China.The defense department previously said that the lead-in fighter jets acquisition project would boost the territorial defense capabilities of the country.Officials, however, stressed that the modernization program is not directed toward any country.(PhilStar)

22 Oktober 2013

PAO " KrAZ ", according won the tender to carry out supply a large batch of KrAZ vehicles of the Royal Thai Army.As reported, the supplied three-axle vehicles are equipped with 330-horsepower engine JAMZ-Yaroslavl 238DE2-33 (Euro 3), Chinese transmission Shaanxi 9JS150TA-B, Clutch Sachs MFZ-430. Steering gear - integral type with right controls. Upon request, the vehicle is fitted with a hydraulic winch of Sepson (Sweden), and air conditioning (on the roof of the cab).Shipment preceded the inspection, which was conducted the officers of the Royal Thai Army . During the inspection, which included procedures for checking the delivery made ​​equipment, compliance with contractual specifications, road tests and tests at the site of the company, a representative of the customer were marked high quality and efficiency of manufacturing KrAZ. The inspection signed the Act of cars manufactured under the terms of the contract, which allowed the PAO " KrAZ " to begin shipment of KrAZ vehicles in this country.(AutoCentre)

21 Oktober 2013

Vietnamese Ka-27 ASW helicopter (photo : tuoitre)One of the businesses helicopter repair oldest of Ukraine, aircraft repair plant Sevastopol is working at full capacity, according to the Industrial Ukraine.Currently the company is engaged in repair and modernization of helicopters for overseas customers . In that contract with Vietnam to repair the submarine hunting helicopter Ka-28, with Iraq to repair and upgrade the Mi-8T helicopters and with Croatia to modernize the helicopter Mi-8, Mi-17.Industrial Ukraine said that Sevastopol plant also received orders from countries outside South Africa , Afghanistan and other countries.In addition, business aviation Sevastopol also made ​​orders to repair two helicopters of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine is the Mi-14 helicopter and the Ka-27 naval and several other civilian companies.Sevastopol was to upgrade the helicopter attack multipurpose Mi-24 Hind for Ukraine 's Army as well as the requirements of the customers are using helicopters , based on the new helicopter technology most of them.Currently, Vietnam Navy active 2 helicopters are key hunting ground Kamov Ka-27 and Ka-28 , both helicopters have already been used for years and is gradually becoming obsolete, so need to be upgraded as well as extending the life of equipment replacement air, to fit the new maritime patrol missions to combat today.(Dat Viet)

KAI F/A-50 Golden Eagle (photo : KAI)China asked Korea not to sell FA-50 fighter jets to the Philippines, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported Saturday. The daily said Beijing made the request ahead of a summit in Seoul between President Park Geun-hye and Philippines President Benigno Aquino on Oct. 17. Korea declined, saying it cannot accept "interference" in arms exports, an issue of its national interest, according to the daily. In their meeting, Park thanked Aquino for Manila’s decision to buy the FA-50 jets and urged a speedy signing of the contract. A government official here said, "The Philippines is engaged in a territorial dispute with China over the Spratly Islands, and that appears to be why Beijing protested several times through the Chinese Embassy and other channels." The government has officially denied the Yomiuri report, but officials privately admit it."Every time the Korean or Filipino media reported on the FA-50 sale, China reacted sensitively trying to confirm the reports through diplomatic channels," a government source said. But the official added the sale will go ahead. The Spratly Islands consist of around 30,000 tiny islands and reefs occupied by China, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. China has dispatched Navy ships to the South China Sea to bolster its presence there. The Philippines increased troop presence on the islands late last year and established a separate military command to handle their defense. Manila also recently decided to move some of its naval and air force bases near the South China Sea. There is speculation that the Philippines is acquiring the FA-50 jets to defend the Spratly Islands.The FA-50 is a light attack fighter jet based on the T-50 trainer jet. It can handle air-to-air and air-to-ground operations as well as taking on gunboats. The Philippines is also in talks with Korea to spend US$650 million to purchase Korean-made frigates. China is also engaged in territorial disputes in the South China Sea with Indonesia and Vietnam, which have either bought or are about to buy Korean weapons. Indonesia signed deals in 2011 to buy 16 T-50 trainers for $400 million as well as three 1,200-ton submarines. Vietnam held its first military talks with Korea last year to expand cooperation in the field. (Chosun)